outdoors – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Finding sporting images related to Monochrome Madness this week, hosted by the well-known Elke of Pictures Imperfect, has proven to be quite challenging for me. Here are few. Keeping it short and simple. Gotta run.. 😂

A woman jogging at night with motion blur creating a sense of speed and movement

Swimmer in the ocean, you can see the movement – is this a sport shot -or leisure? I know swimming is a serious sport.

Still in the water element – surfing – let’s say it’s a sport.

Silent Sunday

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

Under the birch tree — Looking up at a tall birch tree with budding leaves against a clear blue sky

Now, Let your imagination run wild

Photography

Could this be a large, light-colored marine animal, which could be a shark or another large marine mammal, such as a manatee or possibly a dolphin, or perhaps something totally different altogether?

Participating in Six Word Saturday

Last on the Card – April 2026

Landscapes, Photography

By the beach in Maleme a pair of weathered wooden benches positioned on a grassy patch adorned with small purple and yellow wildflowers, a large, leafy tree with a thick trunk, providing a natural backdrop and some shade. The sky is overcast, casting a soft, muted light over the scene. In the blurred background, distant buildings and conifer trees are faintly visible, adding depth and context to this tranquil outdoor setting. My last on the card is from Crete.

Last on OLYMPUS April 2026 — Last shot with my OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

A timeworn monastery in Crete, known as the Gouverneto Monastery (or the Monastery of Our Lady of the Angels), is an active place of worship that beautifully showcases its yellow, textured facade, with signs of peeling paint that speak to its age. Notice the small wooden-framed windows and distinctive terracotta-tiled roof, topped with a dome and cross? This architectural detail certainly highlights its importance as a historical and religious site. In the foreground, verdant greenery, including a leafy tree and tall cypress bushes, frames the scene, introducing a natural element that adds depth to the composition. Meanwhile, the rugged hills in the background sit beneath an overcast sky, contributing to a tranquil and timeless ambiance. Established in 1537, the monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and serves as a starting point for a popular hiking trail leading to the Arkouditissa Cave and the ruins of the abandoned Katholiko Monastery. It’s interesting to note that it was originally built as a Venetian-style fortress to protect the monks from pirate raids, featuring thick walls and defensive towers, which further emphasizes its significance on the island of Crete.

A serene night scene featuring a bright full moon partially obscured by thin, wispy clouds. Silhouettes of various trees, including leafless branches and a spruce, frame the moon and enhance the depth of the composition. The sky exhibits deep blue tones transitioning to lighter shades near the horizon, creating a mystical and tranquil atmosphere. Back home or our summer house, emphasizing the natural beauty of a quiet night in the countryside. Taken at 23:19 before May 1st – a day of celebration in Finland.

Participating on Brian’s Last on the Card April 2026

The Gouverneto Monastery – nearly the last one 😀 as a header

Monday Blues

Landscapes, Nature, Traveling Crete

In Koukouvagia, the captivating interplay of sea and sky unfolds through varying cloud formations and hues. From the deep blue ocean to tranquil soft clouds, the scenes evoke a sense of calm and beauty. This serene environment highlights nature’s vastness and offers moments of hope amid a potentially overcast atmosphere.

As I gaze out at the vast expanse of ocean, its deep blue waters seem to stretch endlessly toward the horizon, mesmerizing and profound. Above me, the sky is alive with an array of cloud formations—darker, denser clouds mingle with lighter, wispy ones, hinting at the possibility of an overcast day or storm on the horizon. The muted colors create a calm yet somber atmosphere, while a hint of brightness peeks through the cloud cover near the horizon, offering a moment of hope amidst the gray.

I’m witnessing a tranquil seascape unfold before my eyes, with a vast, soft blue sky dotted by light, fluffy clouds. The horizon line gently divides my view, as the deep blue ocean fills the lower portion and the expansive sky stretches above. I can see the gentle blending of blues and whites, crafting a soothing and peaceful atmosphere. This minimalist view draws my attention to the natural beauty and vastness of the ocean and sky, filling me with a sense of infinite space and quietude.

The calm blue sea. Soft, white clouds stretch across the horizon, water’s surface. A minimalist style, emphasizing the natural connection between the sea, clouds, and sky, while showcasing subtle variations in color that reflect the time of day.

Lens-Artists #395 – Looking Back to #155 “On The Water”

lens-artists, Photography, Traveling Crete

This week, Beth’s challenge is to revisit #155, “on the water.” I didn’t take part in these challenges back then, so it’s new for me and am I going overboard with this theme.

For this challenge,she is looking forward to seeing our interpretation of “On the Water”. It can be rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, oceans, puddles, swimming pools or water parks. Think about scenic views of water, people having fun on the water, watercraft on the water, macros of water drops, or animals, birds, and plants floating on the water.She does give us lots of options.

What I am sharing in these images is my fascination with the waves and the rhythm they create as they roll and crash against the shore. The smooth pebbles, worn down by years of continuous motion, invite you to touch them, and you can be calmed down by rubbing your fingers across the surface of each one, feeling their coolness and texture. I am totally aware of the abundance of images I have taken, but if you open the galleries, you can quickly scroll through them and perhaps pause on a few, giving yourself the chance to truly appreciate my admiration for the power of water.

These memories were captured on a beautifully windy, cloudy, and cool day in Crete, our last day, and they resonate deeply within me. I spent a couple of hours observing as the waves with gust crashed against the shore, each crash echoing ln my heart, a melody only the sea could compose. As I sat there, drawn to the rhythm of the ocean, I appreciated the horizon, where the sky met the water in a endless embrace. The invigorating spray of sea water touched my skin, refreshing and full of life, while the salty breeze provided a familiar comfort, reminding me of my connection with the sea, a bond formed through countless sunrises and sunsets. With each gust of wind, I was more in touch with the moment, a clear sense of peace and tranquility.

Even on a cloudy day you can find things to do together

This concludes my week! I thoroughly enjoyed reflecting on this old challenge and considering how to approach it. It was a new experience for me. A huge thank you to Beth for her guidance—make sure to link your response to her post here. Additionally, your contributions to John’s “History Through the Lens” challenge last week were fantastic. Remember to return on Saturday, May 2 at noon eastern time, when Ann-Christine will lead the next challenge.

If you’re participating in the Lens‑Artists Challenge for the first time, welcome—we look forward to visiting your post. To join in, simply publish your take on this week’s theme, link back to Beth’s page, and add the Lens‑Artists tag so that others can find your work.

Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history. If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.

Here we are The Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.

Silent Sunday

People

Stylish Summer Fashion

People, Photography, Traveling Crete

A very stylish woman. She is dressed in a flowing white outerwear and wears a wide-brimmed hat and dark sunglasses, exuding a relaxed, summery vibe. The cobblestone street and soft, diffused lighting create a quaint, charming atmosphere, suggesting a leisurely day spent exploring a picturesque Chania City

A woman from behind as she stands in front of a handmade jewelry store. She wears a large, wide-brimmed beige sunhat and a light, semi-transparent blouse that flows gently, with her brown hair visible underneath the hat. The store’s entrance is dimly lit with warm tones, showcasing several jewelry displays featuring necklaces on white busts. The focus that emphasizes the textures of the woman’s attire and the handmade fashionable jewellery

Participating in One Word Sunday: fashion

Move on, move on, move on

animals, Photography, Traveling Crete

After a week in Crete, I am back For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday.

Something we don’t see that much, or at all in Finland.

Lens-Artists Challenge #393 – Lucky Shot

lens-artists, Photography

Sofia is in search for our – Lucky Shots. Just like her my photography is largely influenced by chance. For me, I’d estimate that around 80% of it hinges on either the moment of capture or the editing process. This week, the request is to explore how that element of luck often results in our most remarkable images. Whether it’s being in the right spot at the right time, having faith in your camera, or experiencing pure serendipity, these unexpected moments create the types of shots that brighten our day.

Urban street scene with historic architecture — A black and white photograph captures a group of six people crossing a street on a pedestrian crosswalk in Paris an urban setting. The figures are silhouetted against a misty backdrop, emphasizing their winter clothing and motion. The street is lined with tall, ornate lamp posts, and bare trees frame the scene on both sides. In the distance, a large classical dome-shaped building with a spire emerges through the haze, adding an atmospheric historical context to the image. This image is a quick click and I have always liked it – it somehow speaks to me

Sunset kiteboarding over ocean waves — The image captures a breathtaking sunset over the ocean in Negombo in Sri Lanka, with the sun low on the horizon casting a warm, golden glow across the sky and water. Gentle waves roll towards the shore, reflecting the rich hues of orange, yellow, and hints of purple in the fading light. I was so lucky to capture the man silhouetted against the vibrant sunset engaged in kite surfing, suspended mid-air, creating a dynamic contrast to the serene natural setting. The scene evokes a sense of freedom and adventure amidst the tranquility of the evening sea.

One lucky morning walk to the lake in September 2017 – Lake Ruuhijärvi. A scene during autumn the tall trees adorned in vibrant shades of orange and yellow leaves. The sunlight gently filters through the foliage, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape. In the foreground, a calm body of water reflects the colorful trees, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. The overall composition conveys a peaceful and contemplative mood, highlighting the natural beauty of fall.

Scenic coastal cliffs with ocean waves — A scenic coastal landscape in Northern California rugged cliffs and a sandy beach with waves gently washing ashore. The foreground shows earthy, textured soil and lush green shrubbery covering parts of the cliffs, while the ocean extends into the distance under a bright blue sky. Several seagulls are seen flying above the water, adding life to the tranquil scene. The horizon blends soft clouds with clear skies, creating a peaceful and natural atmosphere and that is what I love and this has such a holiday fibe to me.

The image captures a large, lush green tree standing prominently against a backdrop of a clear blue sky with soft clouds in Crete. Beneath the tree, several chairs and tables are arranged, some occupied by a few people who appear to be seated comfortably in the shade. The ground is light-colored, sandy, and the scene conveys a peaceful, coffee moment. A road curve is visible in the foreground, adding depth and framing the natural and human-made elements harmoniously.

Heart-shaped arrangement of white flowers — I was once again taking macro shots of these flowers and lucky me. I was so happy to see this small cluster of delicate white forget me not flowers with yellow centers arranged in a heart shaped formation. I The flowers stand out sharply against a lush green background, which is softly blurred to emphasize the blossoms. A single blade of grass crosses over the flowers diagonally, adding a natural and dynamic element to the composition. The overall mood is fresh, highlighting the simple beauty of nature in spring, early summer

The last one is lucky in many ways 😊so I set it as the featured image.

The Piedras Blancas Rookery is the only elephant seal rookery in the world that is easily accessible, in San Simeon on Highway 1. we by accident came across it. I was able to capture a large group of elephant seals is seen resting closely together on a sandy beach. The seals vary in shades from light gray to dark brown, with pronounced textures on their skin showing natural folds and wrinkles. One seal in the center raises a flipper toward its head, luckily I caught it, adding a touch of individuality to the otherwise uniform cluster of animals.

How wonderful it is to capture the shot of your dreams when all you had to do was press the button and let luck take care of the rest. I don’t know if these are the luckiest shots, but I do like them a lot. I hope you enjoy reminiscing about those fortunate moments and share them with us. Don’t forget to link back to Sofia’s post and tag Lens-Artists, so we can all discover your work easily in the Reader.

Last week Patti’s challenged focused on working with the three grounds as compositional tools and it was great to see your takes on this theme. John returns with our next challenge on Saturday, April 18th at noon EST. Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Here we are The Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and myself Ritva.

Easter Day

Photography

Johns Cellpic Sunday

Having a rest, a day time nap 😴 isn’t that a luxury

From Winter to Spring

Captures from Finland, Photography

I took these yesterday as I watched the snow melt on the hill behind my backyard. I was able to sit outside as our patio is such that the house safeguards us from the wind. Am I happy to see the green emerging- the moss is so bright.

For John’s Cellpic Sunday.

A serene forest scene featuring tall trees with bare branches and vibrant green foliage. The ground is covered with patches of snow and moss, highlighting the transition between seasons. — A forest scene featuring tall trees with bare branches and vibrant green foliage. The ground is covered with patches of snow and moss, highlighting the transition between seasons.

A serene forest scene featuring tall pine trees and dense greenery, with underbrush and sunlight filtering through the foliage.

A serene forest landscape featuring tall pine trees with green foliage, against a clear blue sky, and patches of snow on the ground. — A view of trees with vibrant greenery, the essence of spring.

Soon, not yet, snowdrops will emerge

Flowers

The snow is melting so fast at the moment, you almost feel the spring. One of the first signs of spring in my backyard is the rise of the snowdrops. So near, but not yet there.

Close-up of a snowdrop flower bud, symbolizing early spring.

Soon…and from the ground, a gentle hum
as vibrant snowdrops reach for the sky
in just a week, a wave of change will come
and white blooms where life begins to thrive
with people arriving, pursuing bold dreams
they say the seasons can’t dictate our path
but one glance at a snowdrop, and optimism awakens.

Delicate snowdrop flowers emerging in early spring.

Participating in SixWordSaturday

A Family Stay at Casey’s Beach: Memories Made

Traveling Australia

During our visit in February 2025, we stayed two weeks with my cousin at Casey’s Beach. Casey’s Beach is a sheltered, 800-meter-long sandy beach located in Batehaven, near Batemans Bay on the NSW South Coast, ideal for swimming, fishing, and snorkeling. It extends south from Observation Point, a lookout point offering panoramic ocean views of the Tasman Sea and Snapper Island, often used for whale watching.

It was our base for the second part of our Australia trip. We are so grateful for the warm hospitality of my cousin and his husband for allowing us to stay there, as their generosity made us so welcome. Each evening, it was nice to go to sleep listening to the soothing sounds of the waves hit the shore, providing a calming soundtrack to our nights. In the morning, we would awaken to the beautiful, panoramic view that greeted us, a breathtaking sight to marvel at. I have always dreamt of living by the coast, now I got the taste of it. Enjoying freshly made coffee crafted by our thoughtful host while enjoying breakfast on the balcony became a cherished routine. The gentle breeze carried the scent of saltwater. We appreciated the warmth of family and the wonders of Australia even more.

Here are some photos taken in the morning, day, dusk and sunset and blue hour after it. Night shots are missing 😂 Click on the gallery to enlarge the images.

A tranquil view of the beach Casey’s Beach at dusk, showcasing calm waters and smooth stones along the shore.

I have posted several posts about the first half of our trip, I will add the links to them if you wish to have a look, they are in the order I posted them Sydney – Adelaide – South Australia – Victoria

Lens-Artists Challenge # – Your Journey in 5-10 images

Photography, Travel, Traveling Australia

Describing and illustrating trips packed with activities can feel like a monumental task—at least for me. It often seems like too much, and while I usually tend to overshare for the sake of my friends and readers, I’m now hit with a real challenge: Anne-Christine wants us to pull it off with just 5-10 pictures! Lens-Artists Challenge # – Your Journey in 5-10 images

My husband and I recently ( a year ago 😁, that is recently) took a trip to Australia, and let me tell you, editing all the photos has been quite the challenge! I didn’t write the texts; that was all him, but I’m having a hard time putting everything together, especially with the annoying hiccups from my hard drive issues. I had edited everything before but lost it all, so now I’m facing the daunting task of redoing it. Anyway, I just wanted to share a quick summary of part of our adventure. I definitely plan to post more pictures from our stops, because there was so much to see and experience at each location! Let’s get started, thanks for the text Mara!

This was going to be a day with nothing to do besides drive. The GPS said 750 km and 8 h 6 min from Bendigo to Caseys Beach in Bateman Bay. Start of the journey was full of twists and turns on narrow roads again, which actually made the drive more enjoyable than just staying on highways. The directions seemed to be always wrong, I felt like we going to Melbourne instead of the direction of Sydney. We managed to see plenty of small towns again with funny names. Seriously, there is nothing wrong with the names, but if you are not used indigenous names and languages, they seem humorous sometimes. Even though I don’t even know if these following names are indigenous: Colbinabbin, Wanalta, Moora, Waranga. Anyway, they were next to impossible to remember afterwards. I had to look them up from a map. I remember driving through Murchinson and Violet Town, though. From Violet Town we turned to Hume Highway, and I could just turn the cruise control on and coast – boooring!

We spend 450 km on Hume Highway, and even though the drive was boring, the scenery never was. Just before turning from the highway, we stopped at Yass for lunch. Yass, finally something to eat! After Yass we were directed again to smaller roads to bypass Canberra. We passed Little Billabong, Tumblong, Gundagai, Jugiong, Molonglo, Murrumbateman and Durran Durra (weren’t they a famous band in the 80’s?), before hitting and passing historical Braidwood. Soon after Braidwood we began descending from Clyde Mountain towards the coast,

The descend was exciting. For a while, very steep and winding road surrounded by lush flora, eucalyptus trees and mist. Unfortunately, there is no way of stopping to take pictures, but the going was sometimes so slow, that Ritva was able to take some photos from the car.

Lush eucalyptus forest in Australia, showcasing vibrant greenery and tall trees.

We finally arrived at Ritva’s cousins Heli’s and her husband house in Caseys Beach just before 7 pm. Heli is one of nine children of Family Saarikko that emigrated to Australia in 1969. Can you imagine immigrating to any country with nine children? Most of us can’t even imagine having nine children. And Finland is also pretty far from Australia. And none of them spoke hardly any English. But Australia was very inviting during that era, because the country needed more people. And 11 people at the same time must have been a jackpot to Australia. The father and quite a few of the seven boys ended up in lumber and building industries because they had some previous experience. Few of them ended up building the Parliament House in Canberra. But that is another story and I’m not the right person to tell it. Ritva’s family, with only three girls, emigrated at the same time but didn’t end up staying. The evening after a long day was spent correcting everything that is wrong with the world.

Day after we had it easy. I took a 1,5 h walk from Caseys Beach to town center, to Corrigan’s Beach, to observation point and back to the house. The observation point had been renovated since 2019. Now it had walkways, signs, murals on sidewalk and lookout decks. Nice! After the walk I had to do some shopping for necessities. First, I drove to drive-through bottle shop for beer and white wine, then to petrol station and finally to electronic store to buy an adapter for SD-card, so Ritva could transfer the photos to laptop. Also, some time was spent playing with Baxter the Dog. He is a Jack Russell.

A view from the observation point framed by eucalyptus trees, capturing the tranquil beauty of Australia’s coastline.

On Thursday we took a little drive. Bermagui with its Blue Pool seemed tempting, so off we went. On the way we saw Narooma and Tilba Tilba but we decided to stop on the way back. The Blue Pool was still amazing with its combination of natural and man-made swimming pools. You get the picture, if you look at the pictures. I was lucky enough to video a sea lion cleaning itself between the rocks. Our lunch was grapes, chips and water at the Blue Pool. Catching some rays and taking it easy and people watching, of course. ( Click the gallery to see enlarged images)

Wallaga Lake was also on the way there, with white sands and birds

A tranquil view of Wallaga Lake, showcasing its serene waters and lush greenery on the horizon.

Scenic views of the lush green landscape near Tilba Tilba, showcasing rolling hills and a winding road.

We didn’t end up stopping at Narooma at all, even though it had a nice little port with oyster shops. Tilba Tilba is a pretty old village that at present is meant for tourists. It has quaint little shops and cafes worth the visit, if you like that sort of thing. On the way over to Bermagui I had spotted the Bodalla Cheese Factory and I had a craving for ice cream. When we stepped in to the Factory, they told us that they just lost the power and naturally none of their machines was working and we couldn’t have ice cream. Bummer.

Bodalla Cheese Factory, a charming stop featuring local dairy products and ice cream, located on the journey to Bermagui, Australia.

Last town before Batemans Bay was Mogo and no ice cream there either because everything was closed or closing. Mogo is a small touristy town. We didn’t want to disrupt our host’s normal schedule, so we ended up in observation point to see the sunset.

Sunset view through the trees at Caseys Beach, capturing the serene beauty of the Australian coast.

Bush Lily, Natal Lily, Fire Lily

Flowers

It has several common names in English, including:

Kaffir Lily, Clivia Lily, St. John’s Lily

The plant shown in the image is known by the scientific name Clivia miniata.

Vibrant orange blooms of the Clivia miniata, commonly known as Bush Lily or Natal Lily, surrounded by lush green leaves.

Clivia miniata, commonly known as Bush Lily, showcasing its vibrant orange trumpet-shaped blooms.

This plant is a perennial flowering plant native to Southern Africa and is a popular, long-lived houseplant known for its bright orange, trumpet-shaped blooms. I photographed it in southern Australia

Participating in Six Word Saturday

Capturing Mittagong: Artistic Edits of a Scenic View

Photography, Traveling Australia

This was taken about a year ago, a rural landscape and farmhouse amidst lush greenery and distant hills in Mittagong, NSW, Australia. The scene was idyllic, under the cloudy sky. I did three edits and let the AI capture them; it was fun how it changed with each edit.This was fun, allowing me to explore various artistic interpretations and styles that breathed new life into the original image. Each version revealed a different aspect of the scenery, from subtle alterations in light and shadow to more pronounced changes in color saturation that transformed the overall mood of the photograph.

One-to-three Photo Processing Challenge hosted by The Squirrel Chase

A scenic view of a rural landscape, farmhouse amidst lush greenery and distant hills in Mittagong, NSW, under a cloudy sky. Original image

A black and white landscape featuring a house amidst a moody sky and surrounding trees.

A tranquil rural landscape featuring a house surrounded by trees and open fields under a moody sky.( my additional text; A more Nostalgic and painterly effect.

A serene rural landscape featuring a charming house surrounded by tall trees and rolling hills under a moody sky. My additional text, Changing colors to more fall colors.

Architectural Gems in Paris: Doors of Time

Photography, Traveling France

I know I’m being a bit boring by sharing these old re-edited photos for Dan’s Thursday Doors, but honestly, I’m fresh out of new material right now. I can’t wait for the weather to warm up so I can get out there and soak it all in! I’m hoping to wander through the neighborhoods, looking for unique buildings and those interesting doors that seem to hold secrets of the past, and even present. I most likely will also photograph the vibrant colors and fresh blooms along the way. I will the my camera out, and maybe discover architectural gems that tell their own stories.

In the picture, there is a traditional French building that represents typical Parisian architecture.

Well I could mark some locations in Paris for you but not all, and as these are taken in 2006, much has changed. The first one I am not able to name. By the way these were taken in the month of January.

For one, the reconstructed spire of Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris, with a design identical to the 1859 version designed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, is among the elements of the landmark to be reconstructed following the devastating fire in 2019. The rebuilt spire is topped with a recreation of the original cross, as well as a golden rooster designed by architect Philippe Villeneuve, who is leading the renovation works.

Scenic view of a Paris park showcasing elegant architecture framed by bare trees.

the historic Hôtel Marcel Dassault building located at the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées square in Paris.

Close-up of classic Parisian architecture featuring intricate windows and charming rooftop details.

The elegant façade of Hôtel de Vendôme in Place Vendôme, Paris, showcasing classic Parisian architecture.

View of Place Vendôme square in Paris, showcasing its iconic architecture and elegance.

Stunning view of the ornate architecture at the Louvre, showcasing classic Parisian style.

The Rue Réaumur in Paris, featuring skillfully crafted historical buildings.

A close-up view of the ornate architecture of the Paris City Hall, showcasing its impressive spires and sculptures.

Close-up of the intricate architectural details of the clock and sculptures at Paris City Hall, highlighting its historical significance and artistic craftsmanship.

View of traditional Parisian architecture alongside the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral spire at sunset.

Wordless Wednesday March 3

Captures from Finland

A night sky featuring a glowing moon partially obscured by clouds, framed by tree silhouettes and the edge of a roof. It isn’t it fun when you can take photos when laying in bed, watching the clouds roamed around the moon. Shot with iPhone 17PRO

View from my bed of the moon shrouded by clouds, framed by silhouetted trees last night

Last on the Card – 28 February 2026

Captures from Finland, Photography

A landscape from the hill behind my house in Kirkkonummi, Finland, the snow-covered trees and a bright blue sky was shot with my Sony 7III and Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 lens

Last one on the card – February 2026

This IPhone shot I am also sharing with John’s Cellpic Sunday

This winter landscape capturing a vast expanse of snow-covered sea and distant trees under a cloudy sky was taken in Espoo, Finland. Shot with IPhone 17 PRO

Monochrome Landscapes: 10km From Home

Black and White photos, Photography

Leanne is our host this week, and she was inspired by one of the Lens-Artists Challenges from last year to come up with this theme. Specifically, it stemmed from challenge #367 – Everyone Should See This, which prompted her to consider what is nearby to one’s home. I chose to focus on WITHIN 10KMS FROM HOME. as requested. For those more familiar with miles, that equates to roughly 6 miles.

Living just 10 km away, we have a mix of landscapes around us, from farmland and sea to lively urban spots that make our surroundings interesting. This time, my photos might not be my best, but they show some fresh moments from my recent outings. Espoo, with its own unique vibe, is about 10 kilometers from home; this area is where I often get inspired by the sea, since I used to live close to it in Espoo. That’s what I really miss from my current place—being just a short walk from the seafront . It’s not that far away, though. I snapped these first two photos with my iPhone on Monday during a nice trip out to meet a friend for lunch at a café that has a great view of the waterfront, showcasing the beautiful mix of nature and city life.

A winter landscape of an island with snow-covered trees and a blanket of fresh snow as seen from the ice covered sea

A black and white winter landscape, ice covered sea, a snowy shoreline with an island and scattered trees and a solitary figure walking in the distance.

About 10 km from home, I snapped this as I was heading back from the hairdresser. It’s in Espoo, where I’ve been going for over 20 years, even before we moved to our current place. Once you find a hairdresser who does a great job, it’s tough to switch things up. I’m sure the ladies would agree with me on that 😀. It’s in a busy area with a bunch of apartment buildings. Not the most creative shot, but I liked the leading lines, which is why I took it.

A solitary figure walks along a snowy sidewalk lined with trees and apartment buildings.

In the monochrome winter landscape, trees rise against a blanket of snow covering the field, showcasing the beauty of the season. I captured this moment yet again with my iPhone, approximately 5 kilometers from a quaint ski resort in Kirkkonummi.

A winding country road surrounded by snow-covered fields and trees, showcasing the serene landscape within 10 kilometers from home.

Country roads very near our home. The day temperatures have been warmer so the main roads are free of snow.

Curving country road surrounded by winter scenery near home.

Fresh coat of snow

Captures from Finland, Photography

We got a fresh coat of new light snow as the weather is continuing to be cold 🥶 but it looks really pretty in my backyard.

A serene winter scene showcasing trees blanketed in fresh snow against a clear sky.

Winter Photography: Enchanting Icy Landscapes

Captures from Finland, Photography

I enjoy capturing the details of winter; these were not taken recently, but they have been recently edited. I love how I was able to find new, interesting, and beautiful aspects while doing this, and I am happy to continue sharing my winter finds.

Icicles formed on rocks and branches by a flowing stream.

Icicles, resembling the sharp teeth of the season, elegantly hang from branches and rugged rocks, forming a scene that is both picturesque and enchanting, ideal for photography. A blanket of sparkling white snow covers the ground, beneath the soft winter sunlight, while a partially frozen stream winds gently through the landscape. It was quite chilly. The icy stones along the banks provide an artistic element to the surroundings, reflecting the glimmering light as the water flows softly over them. The fragile beauty of frozen grass, embellished with countless shimmering icicles, amplifies the wintry allure, instilling a sense of peace and awe. This breathtaking landscape captures the essence of winter’s beauty; it’s wonderful to take a moment to appreciate the serene, cold elegance crafted by nature.

Winter water scene featuring a partially frozen stream with icy rocks and flowing water.

Icicles form on snow-covered branches, winters teeth.

Close-up of icicles and freezing water droplets on a rocky surface.

Frozen grass adorned with icicles, captured in a partially frozen stream

A serene winter scene featuring a partially frozen stream with snow-covered rocks and frosty branches.

I added a gallery of the same images if you wish to look at them enlarged.

Rustic Doorway

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Photography

I wanted to share something rustic with shadows for Becky’s November Shadows and Dan’s Doors. I chose this beautiful scene of an open brown door that leads into a rustic building. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and a winding pathway that really invites you in. The door, with its weathered wooden frame, feels so warm as color brown suggests.

An inviting doorway with the rustic charm of traditional architecture, with a glimpse of a well-maintained outdoor space. Please be kind and wipe your feet on the rag rugs before entering 😀

The trees and branches around it, when the sunlight filters through the leaves, cast lovely shadows on the ground, giving it a nice atmosphere. It really beckons you to step through the threshold into the building.

A view of an open brown door leading into a rustic building, surrounded by greenery and a pathway. — An inviting open door leading into a rustic building. Would you like to step in?

A pathway leading to a rustic wooden door framed by lush greenery.

An inviting entrance to a rustic cabin, framed by lush greenery.

Lens-Artists Challenge #369 – Dreamy

Captures from Finland, lens-artists, Photography

This week Ann-Christine leads us with a Dreamy challenge.

She wrote:There are many possibilities hidden in Dreamy – maybe you are given to or indulging in daydreaming? You might even want to illustrate one of your own dreams? Now we are looking forward to Your interpretation of the theme Dreamy!

An abstract artwork capturing the vibrant hues of autumn and winter, reflecting nature’s stunning palette in a dreamy composition.

I do have to include at least one of my artwork, hope you like it! I have used tones suitable for the season and the ones used in this post, incorporating rich hues that reflect the vibrant energy of autumn and the gentle warmth of winter. My goal was to create a piece that resonates with the changing atmosphere, drawing inspiration from nature’s stunning palette. I truly believe that art has the power to connect us to the world around us and to evoke feelings that words often cannot express.

An autumn moment for dog walker in a misty landscape and vibrant fall foliage.

I envision these images encapsulating a tapestry of enchanting autumn scenes, where dew-kissed spider webs glisten in the soft embrace of morning light, serene reflections dance upon a still lake, and misty vistas are adorned with golden hay bales—a true homage to this magical season. It invites us to bask in the tranquil beauty of an autumn landscape, where the vibrant hues of falling leaves gently blanket the earth. As the renowned poet John Keats once said, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” In this spirit, I felt compelled to share these evocative images of the season, hoping you can lose yourselves in the quiet allure of nature’s transformation into winter, cherishing the ephemeral beauty that graces our surroundings.

A dreamy spider web adorned with morning dew, capturing the essence of nature’s delicate beauty.

A reflection of lush greenery on calm waters, embodying the dreamy essence of nature.

Misty landscape with hay bales in a green field, creating a dreamy atmosphere.

A close-up view of a moss-covered stump in a softly blurred forest setting, portraying the essence of nature’s tranquility.

A dreamy landscape featuring blurred reflections of trees and water, evoking a serene and mystical atmosphere.

An autumn landscape featuring golden foliage, a still lake, and a small boat, a view to nature’s beauty during the fall season.

I’ve taken pleasure in crafting my response this week and hope you find joy in it as well. Be sure to check out Ann-Christine’s stunning original post here for a deeper insight into her challenge, and don’t forget to link back to it in your reply. Remember to add the Lens-Artists Tag so your contribution shows up in our reader section.

Thanks to John and all who took part in last week’s Autumn reflection, the images were so colorful. Here in the northern region, we are witnessing the tail end of the season, which carries a sense of melancholy as strong winds send leaves tumbling down, painting a beautiful yet somber scene. Many trees stand bare, resembling elegant silhouettes against the dwindling light, reminding us of life’s cycles and the inevitability of change. I encourage you to join us next week as Sofia once again leads us through her breathtaking Photographias blog. In the meantime, let’s appreciate the beauty around us as we move into the coming months, and remember to keep smiling; it might just brighten someone else’s day.

Interested in joining our challenge? click here for more information.